'I think it is fair to say a life was saved' – woman rescued from Monadhliath blizzard
A lone woman walker was "very lucky" to have been rescued in a blizzard more than 2500 feet up a mountain in the Monadhliath, according to rescuers.
The hiker was caught out by the conditions, and rescuers said she may not have survived the night.
"It was sleet and snow, a full blizzard, very exposed with wind chill around minus 10C," said Iain Cornfoot, leader of Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team.
"She had managed to make a 999 call which gave a good location. When we found her she was very cold and wet.
"We warmed her up and got her down. She had got disorientated in the conditions.
"She was very lucky because she would have struggled to have survived the night in those conditions and where she was. I think it is fair to say a life was saved."
The woman called for help at 6.30pm on Saturday on Coignafearn Estate in Strathdearn.
Three members of Cairngorm MRT drove out onto the hill in deteriorating conditions as far as the snow would allow.
The walker was found six miles into the hill very cold and wet at around 9.30pm.
"After rewarming her we were able to walk her off to the vehicles. We would like to thank gamekeeper Andy Dempster of Coignafearn Estate for his help, his hill knowledge and Argocat driving skills, which were invaluable on this rescue," added Mr Cornfoot.
"The woman's clothing was suitable for lower level hill walking but not at this altitude and the conditions on Saturday night were those that one would expect at this time of year at higher levels. It was pretty difficult.
"The wind was 25mph and the snow was being whipped up. It is very important to check all the information available – including weather forecasts – before setting off and to be properly prepared for what you may encounter."
The woman was originally from the London area, but believed to be currently based in Scotland.
